Tips on entertaining, new product reviews, simple recipes and more from GateHouse News Service. Learn about nutrition, new and \x34trendy\x34 foods you may see at the market, and food and cooking vocabulary. Take our weekly quiz and get a weekly
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Tips on entertaining, new product reviews, simple recipes and more from GateHouse News Service. Learn about nutrition, new and \x34trendy\x34 foods you may see at the market, and food and cooking vocabulary. Take our weekly quiz and get a weekly cookbook review.

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Mom and son packing lunch.

Feb. 19, 2013
5:11 p.m.

Any parent can tell you that getting kids to eat well-balanced, wholesome meals is tough, and many parents end up purchasing foods their children favor over well-balanced options. But with a little planning and creativity, you can ensure your child will eat foods you can feel good about serving throughout the day.

1. Get creative with sandwiches - Sandwiches are a great way to ensure your child gets some much-needed vitamins and nutrients. Just add fruits such as sliced green apples or pears to grilled cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread, or banana slices to peanut butter sandwiches. Then add some fun to your child's lunch by using cookie cutters to cut your child's sandwiches into shapes such as stars, hearts, flowers, trucks and more.

2. Look for kid-friendly, flavorful foods with good nutrition - Some foods do double-duty -- boasting kid-friendly flavors, as well as good nutrition.

3. Pureed vegetables pack in power - Most kids aren't crazy about vegetables, but incorporating a few into your child's favorite meals can help. Pureed cauliflower blends seamlessly with mashed potatoes or chicken Alfredo, and pureed carrots fly under the radar in pasta sauce or macaroni and cheese.

4. Greek yogurt makes for tasty dips - If your child is hesitant when it comes to eating sliced fruits -- or even baked chicken tenders -- consider mixing up a Greek yogurt and honey dipping sauce. The sweetness of the sauce will entice them to try new foods, plus you're adding calcium and protein to their diet in the process.